Our Renton / March 2023
Mayor's Update
Mayor Pavone celebrates our diverse community, reviews the legislative session, and looks ahead to his State of the City address
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Mayor Armondo Pavone wrote the following for his monthly Mayor’s Memo in the Renton Reporter.
For those of you I haven’t met in person, my name is Armondo Pavone, and I’m honored to serve as the Mayor of the City of Renton.
I’ve spent my whole life in Renton and have operated a small business downtown since 1985. Our city is at its greatest when we come together and celebrate the diverse backgrounds and cultures that make our community so robust and welcoming.
We’ve celebrated that diversity in the last two months. We held the city’s first Lunar New Year celebration and designated Jan. 22 as Lunar New Year Day in Renton. We also proclaimed Feb. 6 as “Ted Rodriguez Day” and honored Ted for 40-plus years of civic contributions by presenting him with a Key to the City.
February was Black History Month, and we celebrated with a proclamation accepted by Renton Technical College President Dr. Yoshiko Harden and Franchesca ‘Fancy’ Vargas of Elevate PR Management.
Meanwhile, I am proud of the work our Mayor’s Inclusion Task Force, Equity Commission, and our newly formed Equity, Housing, and Human Services Department do to increase access and communication across many cultures. I appreciate their dedication to our community.
Legislative Update
With the state legislature in session, I spent three days at the capitol last month as part of City Action Days, an event by the Association of Washington Cities. It was an excellent opportunity to advocate in person for legislation to help us achieve the needs of our constituents — from infrastructure funding to public safety.
In face-to-face meetings with ten of our legislators from six different legislative districts, I discussed our current challenges regarding drug possession laws. I lent my support in finding solutions that encourage accountability through deferred sentencing for those who successfully complete treatment. I also testified in favor of Senate Bills 5536 and 5467, which propose changes to meet our goals for public safety. When government works best, it is a collaborative effort between local, state, and federal levels. Strong relationships are key to accomplishing more for Renton.
State of the City on March 21
Mark your calendars for my first State of the City address on Tuesday, March 21, 6 p.m. at Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center at Renton High School. This will be a free event; tickets are available at rentonwa.gov/sotc. All are invited.
I look forward to highlighting what we’ve accomplished across all city departments and sharing insight into what we’re working on and where we’re headed.
You can find regular updates from me on Facebook (@mayorpavone) or follow the city (@cityofrenton) on Facebook, Instagram, Nextdoor, or Twitter. Not on social media? Our email newsletter, This Week in Renton, is an excellent source for upcoming events and news. You can find links to these publications and pages on rentonwa.gov/memo.
Do you have a question or an idea for a future column? Reach out to [email protected].
Armondo Pavone, Mayor of Renton
Community Calendar
Renton Chamber Spring Fling & Auction
March 18, 5–9:30 pm
Renton Pavilion & Event Center
233 Burnett Ave. S
Help support community projects, human services, clean ups, networking, and more. gorenton.com/visit/happenings
Music Sings, Music Dances! Spring Concert
March 19, 2 pm
Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center
400 S 2nd St.
Enjoy an afternoon of music with conductor Michael Simpson and the Renton City Concert Band. $10 adults, $7 students & seniors. rentonwa.gov/events
State of the City
March 21, 6 pm (Doors 5:15 pm)
Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center
400 S 2nd St.
Mayor Armondo Pavone presents a look back on what the City of Renton has accomplished and a forward-looking preview of the 2023 pipeline. Reserve a seat at rentonwa.gov/sotc.
Renton Downtown Partnership Spring Clean
April 1, 9–11 am
Check-in at Cheers, 201 Williams Ave. S
Help pick up litter on the streets of downtown. Registration info at rentondowntown.com/event.
Shred-a-thon and Rx Drug Take Back
April 15, 9 am–12 pm
Renton Memorial Stadium
405 Logan Ave. N
Bring household documents to shred and turn in unused prescription medications. See details at rentonwa.gov/shredathon.
Dragon Dash 5k/10k Fun Run & Walk
April 15, 10 am
Starts on Wells Avenue S (under Erasmus)
Open to competitive runners, fun runners, walkers, and families. After the run, kids can participate in a dragon egg hunt and try their luck at the Sword in the Stone. Register before April 7 to receive a long-sleeve t-shirt with your registration. rentonwa.gov/dragonregister
Save the Date
Recycle Event: Metals & Styrofoam
May 13, 10 am–2 pm
Renton Technical College North Parking Lot
NE 6th Place & Monroe Ave. NE
Keep waste out of landfills. Recycle scrap metal, appliances, and polystyrene foam (commonly called Styrofoam). For details on accepted materials, go to rentonwa.gov/recycleevents.